There’s some ongoing debate about whether air filters are really needed to keep your home healthy. Sure, indoor plants can do wonders for your air quality naturally and cheaply. However, since the air inside our homes is often more polluted than outside due to the chemicals and materials used in construction and furniture, air filters and purifiers can be a big help, provided you choose the right one.
Furniture and cleaning products can release pollutants that make indoor air quality worse than outdoor air. Even with the safest products, escaping these toxins completely is tough. Plus, many people keep their windows shut for extended periods when it’s too cold or hot outside, making indoor air pollution unavoidable.
Indoor air pollution can be caused by various sources, and it poses a bigger issue for kids and babies as they inhale these pollutants. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that indoor air pollution can cause immediate symptoms, and in the long run, it might lead to asthma, respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and even cancer. Studies have linked indoor air pollutants to childhood conditions like asthma, allergies, Asperger’s, and Tourette’s. Extended exposure may also contribute to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a condition that causes symptoms like fatigue and headaches, although it’s not officially recognized by the medical community. Still, many individuals report suffering from chemical exposure, suggesting further research is necessary.
Although we can’t completely eliminate pollutants, we can reduce them in our homes by tackling the sources. Poor air quality can stem from building materials, furniture, mattresses, cleaning products, and air fresheners. Here are some tips to reduce these pollutants:
While simply airing out the house by opening windows regularly can help, it’s not always feasible if you live in a polluted area or suffer from allergies.
You can improve your home’s air quality in several ways. A cheap and effective method involves using houseplants, which clean the air by absorbing gases through their leaves. Some plants are especially good at this. If you’re concerned about toddlers, consider hanging plants on the wall or exploring other options.
Negative ions can also help clean the air. Since many toxins are positively charged, beeswax candles and Himalayan salt lamps can emit negative ions that bind to these toxins, removing them from the air. While these are beautiful and calming, they don’t produce enough ions to tackle heavily polluted air.
It’s crucial to ensure your HVAC system has proper ventilation, as this helps air exchange. If your home uses alternative heating, venting is still key. Opening windows occasionally to let fresh air in can be beneficial but may not be ideal for allergy sufferers.
Finally, air filters are an excellent option for purifying indoor
